Understanding a Federal Target Letter
Receiving a federal target letter is an extremely serious matter. It means that federal prosecutors have substantial evidence linking you to a criminal investigation. You are not just a witness or someone of interest but a target. While the initial reaction may be fear or panic, remaining calm, informed, and strategic is crucial.
This guide from seasoned federal criminal defense attorney NiaLena Caravasos explains what to do—and what not to do—if you find yourself in this situation, helping you make informed decisions to protect your rights and your future.
What Is a Target Letter?
A target letter is a formal notice from the U.S. Department of Justice indicating that you are the subject of a federal criminal investigation. Typically issued by a U.S. Attorney’s Office, the letter informs you of the following:
- You are the target of a grand jury investigation.
- The nature of the alleged offense.
- Your right to legal representation.
- Instructions on how to respond or appear before a grand jury.
This letter often precedes an indictment and should be treated with the highest level of seriousness.
First Steps: Don’t Panic—Take Control
Panic can be your worst enemy. The federal government is skilled at building cases over months—sometimes years. But even at this stage, you still have rights and options. Your goal is to avoid mistakes that could compromise your defense.
Start with this golden rule:
Do not communicate with federal agents or prosecutors without a lawyer.
Federal agents may appear friendly or casual, but anything you say can and will be used against you. You are under no obligation to answer their questions without legal counsel. Calmly and respectfully decline to speak at this time and inform them that you will first be consulting an attorney and will then be in touch.
Secure Legal Representation Immediately
Your next step is to retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Not just any lawyer will do. And not just any criminal lawyer will do. You need someone with direct experience in federal investigations, preferably with a strong track record handling federal grand jury cases and federal target letters.
Choosing the right attorney is critical at this stage. For guidance, explore our curated list of the Top 10 Defense Lawyers in PA for 2024, known for outstanding client satisfaction and expertise in federal cases.
Your attorney will:
- Review the target letter in detail.
- Evaluate the scope of the investigation.
- Communicate with federal prosecutors on your behalf.
- Develop a strategy to avoid indictment or minimize exposure.
- Explore options that may not be available later.
- Explore options to prevent federal agents showing up unannounced in the middle of the night to execute an arrest warrant.
- Explore options that that could potentially minimize the damage down the line.
Honesty with your attorney is non-negotiable. Share everything—no matter how damaging it may seem. Your lawyer can only protect you with a full understanding of the facts.
Do Not Destroy Evidence—Ever
You may feel the urge to delete emails, discard documents, or “clean up” anything you fear could be used against you. Resist this temptation at all costs.
Why? Because destroying evidence is a federal offense—obstruction of justice. This crime carries its own penalties and often worsens your legal standing. In many cases, the cover-up becomes more damaging than the initial conduct.
Federal investigators are highly skilled and persistent. If evidence is missing or tampered with, they will likely uncover that fact—and it will paint you in the worst possible light.
What Happens After Receiving the Letter?
Once you receive a target letter, several outcomes are possible depending on the facts of your case, your legal representation, and the prosecutor’s strategy:
- Negotiation with Prosecutors: Your lawyer may open a line of communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to clarify your role and potentially negotiate a favorable resolution before any indictment is filed.
- Pre-Indictment Resolution: In some cases, a strong legal response can convince prosecutors to downgrade your status from target to subject or witness or perhaps even grant you immunity or possibly even drop the matter altogether if appropriate.
- Grand Jury Testimony or Indictment: If no resolution is reached, you may be called to testify before a grand jury, or the investigation may move forward toward a formal indictment.
Key Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these critical errors if you want the best possible outcome:
- Speaking without a lawyer. You are not obligated to communicate without legal counsel.
- Lying to federal agents. Even small lies can be charged as federal crimes.
- Hiding assets or documents. Transparency with your lawyer is key.
- Ignoring the target letter. Inaction can lead to arrest without warning as well as the loss of the opportunity to mitigate the damage to you down the line.
Before developing a defense strategy, your attorney may recommend a psychological evaluation to assess legal competency or mental health factors that could affect your case and possibly serve to mitigate the damage to you.
Learn more about the role of forensic psychology in legal competency evaluations and how privilege protects your communication during recovery.
How to Protect Your Future
A federal target letter doesn’t mean you’re guilty—it means you’re under scrutiny. With the right legal guidance and proactive strategy, many people navigate this process successfully.
Here’s what you can do today:
- Stay silent. Politely decline to speak with authorities until your lawyer is present.
- Find a lawyer fast. Don’t delay. The sooner you have representation, the more options you’ll have. But don’t just rush to hire the first person that you find. It is more important to find the right lawyer because the wrong lawyer could do things that may reduce your options and ability to best position yourself to mitigate the damage down the line. How things are handled initially will likely set the tone for how things will progress. So, do your research carefully. Do your research thoroughly. And then trust your gut and pick the federal criminal lawyer whom you believe is the right person for you to help you during this very difficult and frightening time.
- Preserve everything. Keep all relevant communications, documents, and digital files intact.
- Document interactions. If agents contact you, make notes on who, when, and where.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Smart
Being the target of a federal investigation is frightening—but it’s not the end. Many people who receive target letters go on to resolve their cases successfully, especially when they act quickly and wisely.
Don’t try to manage this on your own. Every step you take from this point forward should be guided by a qualified legal professional who understands how to navigate the federal system.
With a strategic approach and the right legal ally, you can protect your rights, mitigate damage, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
